Nestled in Nagano Prefecture, Karuizawa is a charming little town on the outskirts of Tokyo. Situated at an elevation of 936 meters, its cool, pleasant climate makes it a popular summer retreat, offering respite from the heat.

During the Meiji era (1868–1912), Karuizawa gained favor among Westerners for its cool weather and natural surroundings. They flocked to build churches, villas, and more, leaving a legacy of European-style architecture.

Today, this blend of Western influence is evident in the town's numerous European-style buildings and shopping streets, creating an exotic atmosphere that continues to attract visitors.

The captivating autumn foliage adds another layer of allure, and winter transforms the mountainous landscapes into an enchanting scene.

Karuizawa's tourism hub centers around the "Karuizawa" stations operated by JR and Shinano Railway. Taking the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Karuizawa Station takes approximately 1.5 hours (with prices around 5,490 yen for unreserved seats and 6,020 yen for reserved seats). It's a seamless journey with no transfers, making it convenient and quite speedy — perfect even for a day trip.

For international tourists, there are cost-effective transportation passes available. Consider the "Tokyo Wide Pass" (15,000 yen for a 3-day pass for adults; 7,500 yen for children aged 6–11). It's a fantastic option for a quick two-day getaway or a day trip to places like Kawaguchiko or Nikko, making it well worth the investment!

For those on a budget, consider taking a highway bus from Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, Shibuya, or even Narita Airport. The journey takes approximately 3 hours, with fares ranging from 2,200 to 3,500 yen. There are also one-day bus tours available that include Karuizawa, making it an excellent choice for travelers seeking a hassle-free and straightforward way to explore the area.

Kumoba Pond, also known as Swan Lake, is a narrow lake that reflects the surrounding mountains like a serene landscape painting. Throughout the year, it showcases different charms, with its popularity peaking during the autumn foliage season. It's a must-visit natural wonder in Karuizawa.

Despite its modest size, a trail surrounds the lake, offering a leisurely 20-minute walk. Taking in the peaceful atmosphere while strolling along the shores is a truly therapeutic experience.

Kumoba Pond is conveniently close to Karuizawa Station. You can enjoy the 20-minute walk or rent a bicycle near the station for a quicker 10 to 15-minute ride.

In fall, there is also a shuttle bus service heading to "Roppon Tsuji - Kumoba Pond," running from October 1st to November 12th, with 10 buses operating daily at a fare of 220 yen.

Shiraito Falls is a 3-meter high, 70-meter wide underground spring waterfall. The cascading streams resemble delicate threads, flowing smoothly and earning the name "Shiraito," meaning "white threads." In summer, the surroundings are adorned with lush greenery, while fall transforms the scene into a captivating palette of red, orange, and golden hues. Paired with Kumoba Pond, Shiraito Falls is a beloved natural attraction, especially cherished by nature enthusiasts.

Since Shiraito Falls is a bit farther from Karuizawa Station, driving is recommended. The one-way journey takes about 24 minutes, and there is parking available.

Alternatively, you can take the "Kusakaru Kotsu Bus" heading towards North Karuizawa/ Kusatsu Onsen from Karuizawa Station. Get off at "Shiraito no Taki" and then walk for 3 to 5 minutes to reach the falls.

Among the numerous church buildings in Karuizawa, the most iconic is St. Paul's Catholic Church. Designed by the renowned Czech architect Antonin Raymond in 1935, it seamlessly blends wood and stone in its construction. The symmetrical triangular roof adds to its beauty, creating an ambiance that feels distinctly European. The interior, constructed almost entirely from wood, is worth a close look, and it has been a venue for many celebrity weddings.

Located just a 4-minute drive from Karuizawa Station or approximately a 10-minute bike ride, St. Paul's Church is close to attractions other like Old Karuizawa Ginza Street and Suwa Shrine. It's highly recommended to make a quick stop and explore the area.

Located within Karuizawa's Hoshino Resorts area, Karuizawa Kogen Church boasts over 90 years of history. The triangular wooden structure, set amidst the surrounding forest, resembles a scene straight out of a fairy tale. While the church is not large, its interior exudes a tranquil and slightly romantic ambiance, inviting visitors to take a stroll and immerse themselves in the elegant, serene atmosphere. In summer and winter, the church is illuminated at night (free to visit, but reservations are required).

The nearest station to Karuizawa Kogen Church is the Shinano Railway's Nakakaruizawa Station, about a 5-minute drive or a half-hour walk. If you're coming from Karuizawa Station, the drive takes approximately 15 minutes. Nearby attractions include the Stone Church and Harunire Terrace, making it worthwhile to explore the vicinity.

Near the Karuizawa Kogen Church, you'll find another gem — the "Stone Church," dedicated to the memory of the Japanese Christian evangelist Uchimura Kenzo. Designed by American architect Kendrick Kellogg, this circular-arched building is constructed with an intricate blend of stone and glass. The architecture is designed to symbolize the mutual tolerance and harmonization in marriage. The interior relies heavily on natural outdoor lighting, providing an exploration-like experience that sets it apart as a unique must-visit attraction among Karuizawa's many churches.

A 15-minute drive from Karuizawa Station, a visit to the Stone Church while exploring the Hoshino Resorts area, Harunire Terrace, and Karuizawa Kogen Church is convenient.

Beyond its famed churches, Karuizawa boasts a rich array of art museums, with Senju Hiroshi Museum of Art, one of the most noteworthy, opening its doors in 2011. The museum showcases the renowned waterfall paintings of Hiroshi Senju. Designed by esteemed Japanese architect Ryue Nishizawa, the building features intriguing angular lines on its exterior. Inside, expansive curved windows, seating, and walls create a harmonious contrast, and the surrounding outdoor greenery resembles an art installation. The design allows visitors to appreciate both the artworks and the outdoor scenery simultaneously, transforming the entire museum experience into a work of art.

Approximately a 5-minute drive or a 24-minute walk from Nakakaruizawa Station and around a 10-minute drive from Karuizawa Station, the museum is conveniently accessible for a delightful art-filled adventure.

The Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza is an outlet shopping paradise with over 200 stores featuring international brands like COACH, Longchamp, NIKE, adidas, as well as Japanese favorites like niko and…, GELATO PIQUE, JEANASIS, and more. The discount prices are sure to delight any shopper. With a food court, dessert cafes, local product stores, and the beautiful lakeside view along with extensive green spaces, shopping here becomes a leisurely, comfortable experience. It's considered one of the most beautiful outlets in the Tokyo suburbs.

Located less than a 3-minute walk from the south exit of Karuizawa Station, it's incredibly convenient. Some stores offer tax-free services, and there are plenty of lockers available for luggage storage. Note that some shops close relatively early in the evening, so plan accordingly.

Old Karuizawa Ginza Street blends Western and Japanese-style architecture, creating a romantic, elegant atmosphere ideal for a relaxing walk. The street is also fantastic for photography enthusiasts with its picturesque atmosphere. In the past, many Westerners lived in Karuizawa, leading to the presence of numerous sausage, bread, and jam shops. Today, the street is adorned with cafes, dessert shops, bakeries, as well as various groceries and handicraft stores, making it a delightful destination for souvenir and gift shopping.

Not far from Karuizawa Station, it's a 5-minute drive, a 15–20 minute bike ride, or a 20–25 minute walk. Many tourists opt to rent bicycles at the station and enjoy a ride, savoring the laid-back ambiance of Karuizawa along the way.

Located within the Hoshino Resorts area, Harunire Terrace consists of 9 wooden buildings nestled among native elm trees. The businesses here seamlessly blend with the natural surroundings of Karuizawa. Notable establishments include HARVEST NAGAI FARM, known for its Italian-style ice cream, Maruyama Coffee, Kawakami-an soba noodle shop, Murabito Shokudo (Villager's Cafeteria), and Sawamura Bakery. There are also stores offering wooden furniture and Nordic-style goods, creating a pleasantly laid-back atmosphere that encourages visitors to linger. The area is adorned in summer with limited-time umbrella decorations, adding a beautiful touch and providing a picturesque setting.

Situated in the Hoshino Resorts Karuizawa area, Harunire Terrace is closer to Nakakaruizawa Station. It's a 5-minute drive or a 20-minute walk. Starting from Karuizawa Station, it's an 11-minute drive, a 20-minute ride on the Seibu Kanko Bus, or approximately a 30-minute bike ride. Nearby attractions include Karuizawa Kogen Church, Stone Church, and Tombo no Yu, making it a recommended stop while exploring the Hoshino Resorts area.

When it comes to the most popular must-buy souvenir in Karuizawa, it's none other than SAWAYA Jam! All jams are processed in local factories in Karuizawa, using seasonal domestically grown fruits. The clear bottles make the fruit easy to see, and the flavors are diverse, ranging from fruit options like strawberry, blueberry, apple, white peach, citrus, kiwi, and plum to unique ones such as matcha milk, fig, and chestnut. Among them, "Strawberry Milk Jam" is particularly popular among tourists.

There are several stores in Karuizawa, with one at the entrance and another inside the Old Ginza Street shopping district, as well as another at the Karuizawa Prince Outlet.

MARUYAMA Coffee, originating in Karuizawa, uses high-quality coffee beans personally selected and evaluated by the owner, Kentaro Maruyama. The shop boasts skilled baristas who have undergone training and competition in Japanese and international coffee competitions, creating unique, exceptionally flavorful coffees. MARUYAMA Coffee has gained widespread love from coffee enthusiasts in Japan and around the world.

As the birthplace of MARUYAMA Coffee, Karuizawa not only offers freshly brewed coffee but also sells various coffee drip bags and snacks. In September 2023, MARUYAMA Coffee collaborated with the renowned pastry chef Sadaharu Aoki of "pâtisserie Sadaharu AOKI paris" to introduce a seasonal combo product featuring drip coffee with three flavors: deep-roasted nuts, MARUYAMA Coffee's special blend, and a seasonal single-origin coffee. It's highly recommended for coffee aficionados to personally experience the offerings at MARUYAMA Coffee when in Karuizawa.

TsuruTonTan is a chain of udon noodle restaurants primarily located in Tokyo and Osaka. Apart from its unique non-traditional flavors, the restaurant is known for serving udon noodles in huge bowls bigger than one's face, making it a visually striking experience. The TsuruTonTan in Karuizawa opened its doors in the Old Ginza Street shopping district in 2021. This shop stands out as a resort-style establishment featuring elegant plant-themed decor. In addition to a variety of limited-edition udon dishes, the restaurant also offers options like sukiyaki and hot pot. During peak tourist seasons, there is often a wait, so making a reservation in advance is recommended to avoid long lines.

This restaurant is operated by LONGINGHOUSE, a vacation villa hotel in Karuizawa. Opened in July 2023, "THE WINE SAKABA by LONGINGHOUSE Old Karuizawa Suwanomori" specializes in offering exquisite Western-style dinners. The menu features a variety of Italian and Spanish dishes, including Spanish seafood paella, marinated seafood, pasta, and the hot dipping sauce Bagna càuda. Additionally, they serve steaks made from the rare Japanese "Tateshina beef" brand, adding a touch of elegance and international flavor to the culinary experience. Highly recommended for those with a generous budget looking to indulge in a sophisticated dining experience.

Located near Suwa Shrine in Karuizawa, it is also close to the Old Ginza Street shopping district. Approximately a 5-minute drive, a 15-20 minute bike ride, or a 22-minute walk from Karuizawa Station.

This French cuisine restaurant at Hotel Marroad Karuizawa offers a delightful Western-style full-course lunch at a reasonable price (approximately 3,080 yen, including tax and service charge). The lunch includes salad, soup, a main course, dessert, and a beverage. You can choose between French-style confit duck leg or Western-marinated fresh salmon for the main course. The dessert options feature Spanish-style baked brûlée "Catalana" or a platter of seven French desserts. You also get to choose between two beverages. Given that it's a high-end hotel in Karuizawa, the quality of the meal is truly exceptional.

The restaurant is about 10 minutes from Karuizawa, approximately 5-8 minutes by bicycle or a 3-minute drive. Along the way, you'll pass through parks, by art galleries, and other attractions, allowing you to experience the relaxed local atmosphere.

In addition to being a summer retreat, Karuizawa is also a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts! Among the ski resorts, the one attached to the Karuizawa Prince Hotel, known as the "Karuizawa Ski Resort," stands out as a tourist favorite. Thanks to Karuizawa's unique highland environment and equipped with snow machines, the resort provides excellent skiing conditions throughout winter.

With a total of 16 slopes, including 8 for beginners, the resort offers equipment rentals and coaching sessions. So, for those who haven't had much skiing experience, don't worry! Just grab a lift ticket and enjoy a full day of skiing fun!

Karuizawa SNOW PARK is affiliated with the President Resort KARUIZAWA, which emphasizes a snow playground suitable for children. In addition to offering children's snow equipment rentals, the park provides activities like riding snowmobiles, sledding, and tubing. The tubing slope is the largest in Japan, ensuring that both children and adults can enjoy a relaxed and fun-filled experience.

While the location is a bit farther from Karuizawa Station, taking about half an hour by car, the hotel and the station offer regular shuttle services (daily, reservation required). The atmosphere is quieter compared to the tourist areas around Karuizawa Station, with a less commercial vibe. It's mostly Japanese families with children, giving it an added feeling of being abroad.

If you're wondering about the best way to experience Karuizawa, many visitors would undoubtedly recommend renting a bicycle. Local roads are flat and well-maintained, providing a comfortable cycling experience, especially during summer and autumn. Riding a bike not only allows you to enjoy the scenic beauty but also helps shorten travel times between tourist attractions. Many facilities and sightseeing spots in Karuizawa offer free bicycle parking, adding to the convenience.

Just a 5-minute walk from the north exit of Karuizawa Station, you'll find several bicycle rental shops. Prices vary depending on the type of bike and rental duration, including regular bicycles, multi-speed bikes, and electric bikes. Before renting, be sure to confirm the prices and rental periods. Also, check if the seat height and bike model are suitable for you. While cycling around Karuizawa, remember to adhere to local regulations, avoid unauthorized parking, and prioritize safety. Embrace the freedom of riding through the natural beauty of Karuizawa!

The local private railway in Karuizawa, Shinano Railway, operates a distinctive sightseeing train called "ROKUMON" between Nagano Station and Karuizawa Station. The train's exterior features a vintage brick color, and the interior design with tables, chairs, and sliding doors exudes the charm of Japan's Taisho era. During the journey, passengers can enjoy exquisite Japanese and Western-style meals made from local Nagano ingredients while gazing at the spectacular changing scenery. It feels like stepping into the life of Japanese nobility from years gone by.

Although the service is primarily in Japanese, train staff are accommodating and will do their best to provide explanations and assistance to international passengers. This unique experience is highly recommended, especially if you're traveling between Nagano and Karuizawa.

In Karuizawa, every corner, from its streets and architecture to its delightful cuisine, carries a touch of Western culture. This captivating blend of East and West gives the town a distinct charm. Picture yourself cycling through the streets, feeling the gentle breeze, and passing by charming Western-style houses amidst lush greenery. This epitomizes a leisurely life – a delightful journey through Karuizawa. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and embark on a soul-soothing adventure in this tranquil haven.

Note: The information in this article is based on details available as of October 2023 and may be subject to change. For the latest and most accurate information, please refer to the official websites of the respective facilities.